The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians; serves as a channel of communications on intellectual freedom matters; promotes a greater opportunity for involvement among the members of the ALA in defense of intellectual freedom; promotes a greater feeling of responsibility in the implementation of ALA policies on intellectual freedom.

The Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations Award will recognize an Intellectual Freedom focused organization that has developed a strong multi-year, ongoing program or a single, one-year project that exemplifies support for Intellectual Freedom, patron confidentiality and anti-censorship efforts.ALAChapters (state, regional, and student), Divisions, Round Tables and Affiliates (including division affiliates) will be eligible for the award.

The award consists of a citation and $1,000 from theALAGerald Hodges Fund, established following Hodges’ death in 2006.

Gerald Hodges joined theALAstaff in 1989 as director of membership services and theChapter Relations Office. At his death in 2006, he was the associate director of communications and marketing, but his passion was still Intellectual Freedom and Chapter Relations. A charter member of theALALegacy Society, Hodges willed a portion of his estate to supportALA's intellectual freedom efforts. Memorial contributions in recognition of Hodges came from many friends, colleagues andALAchapters following the establishment of the Gerald Hodges Fund.

ALA’s use of this Fund to support this award commemorates Hodges’s twin passions for intellectual freedom and the powerful capabilities ofALA’s chapters. The award takes the place of the IFRTState and Regional Intellectual Freedom Achievement Award, which from 1984–2009 was given to the most innovative and effective intellectual freedom project covering a state or region.